Education (Childhood and Youth Studies) MA

Overview

Explore today’s children, youth and families - and develop your practice to value every child.

On this course, you’ll examine child and adolescent development in today’s economic, social, global and technological landscapes. You’ll examine key issues impacting children, youth and families - like:

the role of the state in parenting
the impact of policy on childhood experiences
how children develop independence
global approaches to education and care

You’ll develop a confident ability to support all the children you work with - whatever their needs. And you’ll be able to identify and employ evidence-based techniques to support each child.

You’ll explore your interests as a practitioner - whether that’s understanding the learning process, or developing children’s language skills. You’ll be exposed to different approaches - sparking new ideas for your own practice. And you’ll graduate with new insight into today’s children, youth and families - and the knowledge of how you can support them.

Careers

You’ll graduate with confident knowledge of the theory, research and policy underpinning your practice. You’ll understand how different techniques work. You’ll be able to make decisive decisions in any situation. And you’ll be able to convincingly explain your approaches to school leaders, parents and others.

You’ll also be more sensitive to children, youth and families’ diverse needs. You’ll become adept at creating inclusive learning environments - where everyone feels they belong. You’ll have increased awareness of social services for children, youth and families. And you’ll understand how these services can enrich lives and help mediate difficulties.

Normally you should have the following: English as your first language; or GCSE (grade 4-9) or O-level English Language (A-C); or IELTS; a relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification; some experience of working with children and/or young people. You may have an undergraduate background in any of a wide range of subjects including psychology, sociology, social and health care, education, history and anthropology.